Shakhtar striker Maicon dies in car accident

Shakhtar Donetsk have confirmed that striker Maicon Pereira de Oliveira has died in a car accident.

The 25-year-old Brazilian joined the Ukrainian Premier League leaders in 2012 and was on loan at Illichivets Mariupol.

A statement on the Shakhtar website read: "FC Shakhtar regretfully informs that on 8 February 2014 the life of a footballer Maicon Pereira de Oliveira tragically ended. He died in a car crash in Donetsk.

"He was a talented footballer, open and friendly guy. Maicon loved life and knew how to make it positive and bright. Tragic, untimely and absurd death took away a wonderful person from our ranks. Maicon was only 25 years old.

"It is a terrible bereavement for each of us. FC Shakhtar expresses condolences and sympathy to Maicon's family and friends. May he rest in peace."

Maicon moved to Ukraine to join Volyn Lutsk in 2009 and scored over 30 goals for the club. He also enjoyed loan spells with Steaua Bucharest and Zorya Luhansk either side of his switch to Shakhtar.